BAE Systems is building a new class of five 90m offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the second batch of the British Royal Navy’s River-class ships.

The offshore patrol vessel is intended to carry out a range of economic exclusion zone management tasks such as maritime security, border control, routine patrols, and anti-smuggling. It will also facilitate counter-terrorism and piracy, fishery protection, and effective disaster relief. It can also be used for the protection of natural resources.

BAE Systems was awarded a £348m ($529m) contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to build three new OPV class ships for the British Royal Navy in August 2014. The multi-million contract is expected to create more than 800 jobs in Scotland.

A £287m ($362m) contract for the construction of two additional River-class Batch-2 offshore patrol vessels was awarded in December 2016.

Construction details of 90m offshore patrol vessels

Construction of the first patrol ship in the class, HMS Forth, began in Glasgow, Scotland, in October 2014 and the vessel completed its sea trials in December 2017. HMS Forth was accepted by the Royal Navy in January 2018.

The first steel for the second ship HMS Medway was cut in June 2015 and christened in October 2017. Construction on the third vessel HMS Trent began in October 2015 and its christening ceremony was held in March 2018.

The fourth OPV in the Batch 2, HMS Tamar, completed its structural construction in March 2018 and launched in October 2018. Construction on the fifth OPV HMS Spey is currently underway at BAE Systems’ Govan yard.

90m OPV design and features

Amazonas Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, Brazil

The Amazonas Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) were introduced into the Brazilian Navy under the PROSUPER programme. Three vessels have been built and delivered by BAE Systems between 2012 and 2013.

The new offshore patrol vessel is an evolution of the 80m River Class vessels used by the British Royal Navy. It features a highly versatile, flexible design, and delivers more efficient operations.

The patrol ship has a length of 90.5m, width of 13m and a displacement of 2,000t. It provides accommodation for 60 personnel, including a crew of 34. The vessel can also carry up to 50 embarked troops or passengers.

The OPV boasts of an enhanced flight deck at the aft to operate the latest Merlin helicopters. It is capable of carrying two Pacific 24 rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). A 16t crane will be attached to lift equipments. The vessel also features large storage, accommodation, and medical facilities.

BAE Systems’ new state-of-the-art shared infrastructure operating system will be installed in the ship to deliver simpler operations. It employs virtual technologies to integrate the weapon, sensor, and management systems for the complex warships.

The vessel will be equipped with BAE Systems’ CMS-1 combat system to provide planning, tactical picture compilation, situational awareness, decision-making, and control of weapons from its intuitive consoles in littoral operations. The combat system also assists Nato and other coalition missions.

Armament

The main armament of the British Royal Navy’s new 90m offshore patrol vessel is a 30mm cannon. The vessel will be fitted with small calibre machine guns. It can also be mounted with a 12.7mm gun location and a 25mm secondary armament on both the port and starboard sides.